Why August is a Great Month to Camp in the Northeast
Seven late-summer destinations to bring out your adventurous side.
Summer feels like it’s starting to wind down, but don't put away that camping gear just yet. This is the perfect time of year to travel and explore, with the crowds beginning to taper out and the hottest days of the season behind us.
The northeastern corner of the United States is lovely in August and September, with warm days that ease gracefully into cool nights. And while this part of the country has its fair share of people and bustling cities, you won’t know it once you step onto the trail or push out into the water.
On your journey, you can rely on KOA’s nationwide network of campgrounds to provide a fun, safe, and relaxing place to pitch your tent or park your RV. With family-friendly amenities and unique lodging options, KOA is ready to make booking your next road trip a breeze.
Massachusetts
Photo by Shannon Kalahan
While it’s tempting to think of Massachusetts as an extended suburb of busy Boston, nothing could be further from the truth. Turning west from the miles of Atlantic coastline, forested and lake-filled central Massachusetts gives way to the Berkshires, a highland region packed with cultural attractions, great restaurants, and wild pursuits.
Dune walks and lighthouse visits abound on the coast, while inland, there are enough waterfall hikes and paddling trips to satisfy even the most adventurous. Bank up these moments of summer now to revisit during those colder winter months.
KOA campgrounds in Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Photo by Shannon Kalahan
Family-friendly New Hampshire dips its tiny toe in the Atlantic Ocean before stretching north to the rugged White Mountains and 6,288-foot tall Mount Washington.
Known for having the worst weather in the world (a moniker that gives locals great pride), Mount Washington is a highlight to any summer or early fall trip to New Hampshire. You can make your way to the top by trail, car, or even train.
While in the Granite State, be sure to check out the adventures in the beautiful and quiet Lakes Region and hike one of the state’s bald peaks.
KOA campgrounds in New Hampshire
Connecticut
Photo by Sara Sheehy
With 618 miles of shoreline on the Long Island Sound, Connecticut is a lot more maritime than you might think. Combine that with charming villages, an Ivy League vibe, and plenty of historical sites, and you have the makings of a memorable late summer camping trip.
Get your thrills at Sleeping Giant and West Rock Ridge State Parks near Hamden, where you can hike, bike, and boulder in the span of a single afternoon. For a coastal experience, head to either Old Saybrook or Milford, which were settled in the 17th century.
KOA campgrounds in Connecticut
Rhode Island
Photo by Zach Yeamans
Nicknamed the “Ocean State,” Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, but it is packed with outdoor pursuits for the adventurous.
Tidepooling is a popular pastime in Rhode Island, where rocky, cliff-lined shores mix with stretches of sandy beaches. Hiking is only a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Providence, and there are plenty of beautiful places to watch the sunrise.
For those who like to travel with a goal in mind, how about visiting all of Rhode Island’s working lighthouses? There are 21 of them, including the Castle Hill Lighthouse, perched at the end of Newport’s famous Ocean Drive.
KOA campgrounds in Rhode Island
Vermont
Photo by: Court Findeisen
According to the locals, Vermont isn’t just a state; it’s a state of mind. Filled with quiet rolling hills, idyllic small towns, and plenty of outdoor adventure, Vermont is just the place to spend that relaxing transition from summer to early fall.
Hike to the summit of Killington Peak in the Green Mountains for stunning panoramic views or wander along a stretch of the 272-mile Long Trail. Families will love the summertime activities offered at the ski resorts of Killington, Stowe, and Okemo. Be sure to bring a warm jacket for those deliciously cool evenings around the campfire.
New York
Photo by Shawn Grenninger
If you’ve never explored the wilder side of New York, this August is the time to get started. And we say started because once you dip your toe in all that this state has to offer, you’ll be back for more.
Leave behind the hustle of the city and head to the Catskill Mountains for hiking and swimming, or venture further north to the Adirondacks.
Adirondack Park, which is a mix of public and private land collectively managed, is a landscape of dense forests, free-flowing rivers, and rugged mountains. This is a place where you can peak bag, paddle, wander, and climb to your heart’s content.
New Jersey
Photo by Margo Schmiederer
Wrapped around New York City like a hug, New Jersey is best known for its proximity to this most famous metropolis. But tucked just out of sight, New Jersey is home to lakes for fishing, bays for paddling, bogs for birdwatching, and campsites for spending a night under the stars.
There are several Revolutionary War sites for the history buff in your family and some long walks to get out those road trip wiggles. New Jersey is also part of the deceivingly named but lovely to visit Delaware Water Gap.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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